Easy Summer Gnocchi

$- 1 lb (450g) store-bought gnocchi - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup fresh spinach - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped To make Easy Summer Gnocchi, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Gnocchi is the star here. It adds a soft and pillowy touch to the dish. You can buy it at any store. Next, seasonal vegetables bring color and taste. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, and zucchini adds crunch. Fresh spinach gives a lovely green look and packs nutrients. Garlic brings a savory aroma that enhances all the flavors. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a little extra flavor, consider adding Parmesan cheese. It adds a creamy, nutty taste when you sprinkle it on top. Red pepper flakes offer a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Remember, these optional ingredients can elevate the dish, but the main flavors shine through even without them. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the cooking process. Enjoy your cooking journey! Boiling Water Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps enhance the flavor of the gnocchi. Cooking Time Once the water boils, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float to the top. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. When they float, they are ready. Drain them and set them aside until you need them. Heating Olive Oil In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This oil gives a great flavor to the dish. Adding Garlic and Zucchini Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it smells good. Then, add 1 diced zucchini along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the zucchini for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to be slightly tender but still crisp. Adding Tomatoes and Spinach Now, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften a bit. If you like some heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. After this, stir in the cooked gnocchi and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Gently toss everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is warm. Final Touches with Basil Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This step adds a nice finishing touch to your dish. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Cooking Time Indicators Cook the gnocchi until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. When they rise to the top, they are done. Be quick to remove them from the water to keep them soft. Avoiding Overcooking Do not let the gnocchi sit in the water. Overcooking makes them mushy. Drain them right away and set aside. This keeps the nice, fluffy texture. Adjusting Seasoning Taste your dish as you cook. You may want to add extra salt or pepper. Fresh herbs, like basil, also boost flavor. Don’t be shy about adding more garlic for a punch. Suggested Pairings Pair your gnocchi with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A light salad on the side adds freshness. You might also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make your summer gnocchi heartier. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. They cook quickly and add nice flavor. For chicken, use diced breast and sauté it until golden. For shrimp, cook until pink. Both will blend well with the veggies. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein without meat. Simply drain and rinse canned beans. Toss them in with the veggies for a filling meal. The sauce can change your dish's vibe. Light creamy sauces add richness without heaviness. You can mix cream or a bit of cheese with some pasta water. This gives a silky texture and enhances flavor. Lemon or pesto sauces are fresh and bright choices. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Pesto adds a burst of flavor, especially if you use fresh basil. You can drizzle it over the gnocchi for a lovely finish. Check out the Full Recipe for more sauce ideas! To keep your Easy Summer Gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This method keeps the meal tasty for up to three days. Make sure the gnocchi cools down before sealing it. For long-term storage, consider freezing the dish. Portion the gnocchi into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. You have two great options for reheating: microwave or stovetop. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute, then check and stir. This method is quick but may not keep the texture as nice. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of olive oil to a pan. Heat on low and stir often. This method helps keep the gnocchi soft and prevents sticking. It takes about five minutes to warm through. Make sure to check the heat, so it doesn’t burn. Keeping the texture is key. Reheating slowly on the stovetop often gives the best results. Enjoy your delicious Easy Summer Gnocchi again! Yes, you can! Homemade gnocchi adds a special touch. To make it, start with potatoes. Boil them until soft. Mash the potatoes and mix with flour and egg. Form into small dumplings and cook them. If you want a simple method, use store-bought gnocchi as it saves time. Either choice works well for this dish. Cooked gnocchi lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. When reheating, add a splash of water for moisture. This way, it stays soft and tasty. You can serve your Easy Summer Gnocchi with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Grilled vegetables for a smoky flavor - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Roasted chicken for added protein These pairings enhance the dish and make it more filling. This blog post covered how to make easy summer gnocchi. We explored key ingredients like gnocchi, seasonal vegetables, and fresh herbs. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can also try adding protein or experimenting with different sauces. In the end, enjoy this dish as a fun, fresh meal. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors and ingredients, making it your own! Happy cooking!$

Indulge in this Easy Summer Gnocchi recipe, perfect for a light and delicious meal! Made with store-bought gnocchi, fresh cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. With a hint of garlic and topped with basil and Parmesan, it's a flavorful delight your family will love. Don't miss out on this quick summer favorite—click through to explore the complete recipe and enjoy the flavors of summer!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) store-bought gnocchi

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup fresh spinach

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the diced zucchini and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.

Stir in the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach. Gently toss everything together until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through (1-2 minutes).

Remove from heat and mix in the chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4